The majority of tables contained in this report present data which is derived directly from returned deer tags (reported kill). Tables 1a and 1b contain estimated kill information as well. The estimated kill is the reported kill times a correction factor which is specific for each zone. This zone correction factor is an estimator of the non-reporting rates specific to each zone and takes into account those successful hunters that failed to submit the report card section of the deer tag. The zone correction factors were derived through a telephonic survey of hunters in 1994 and 1995, and through cross comparisons of meatlocker records and report card databases. Zone specific non-reporting rates vary from 0 to 60 percent, while the 2001 statewide average non-reporting rate was approximately 45 percent. The highest non-reporting rates occur in the A and B Zones, while the lowest are in the X Zones. The reported deer kill on Private Lands Management Areas (PLM) is treated as the actual kill and non-reporting rates are not applied.

When describing deer kill information from this report, it is important to differentiate between reported or estimated deer kill in order to reduce inconsistency. The estimated deer kill is considered to be a more realistic approximation of the actual deer harvest and is used primarily for population modeling and analysis within the draft and final versions of the Environmental Document Regarding: Deer Hunting. Whenever possible the estimated deer kill should be used to more accurately reflect the total deer kill attributed to hunting for purposes of determining the effects of hunting on deer populations. When using deer kill data for comparison and detailed analysis of historical kill, method of kill, land ownership, area, and other parameters, it is best to use reported deer kill figures for consistency.

2001 ESTIMATED DEER KILL

In 2001, the statewide total estimated deer kill including all zones, hunts, and PLMs was approximately 34,417; of which 334 were does, and 34,083 were bucks. The estimated deer kill for state zones and hunts accounted for approximately 33,929 (252 does and 33,677 bucks), while the actual deer kill on PLMs was 488 deer (82 does and 406 bucks). The overall statewide hunter success was estimated to be 17.6 percent (PLMs excluded). The estimated archery kill for statewide zones and hunts was 2,433 deer (PLMs excluded). Comparisons of estimated kill numbers between tables may not agree due to rounding.

2001 REPORTED DEER KILL

In 2001, the statewide total reported deer kill including all zones, hunts, and PLMs was 18,900 deer; of which 279 were does, and 18,621 were bucks. The reported deer kill for state zones and hunts was 18,412 deer (183 does and 18,229 bucks). The overall statewide reported hunter success was 9.6 percent (PLMs excluded). The reported archery kill for statewide zones and hunts was 1,377 deer (PLMs excluded).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Deer hunting zone and season date information are contained in the California Hunting Regulations, Mammals and Furbearers booklet, 2001. Information on tag allocation procedures, buck-doe-fawns ratios, and effects of deer hunting are contained in the 2001 Final Environmental Document Regarding Deer Hunting (available in county libraries).

(Cover photo/watermark by John Dawson, Fish and Game Warden, Yreka; Website design by Jennapher Miller).